Sarries chief executive Francois Pienaar said:'We are starting the process of renegotiating their contracts. I'd love to keep the squad together and bring some youngsters through but there are agents and a wage cap to be considered.'

Bristol, anxious to have prop White in their team next season, ran into trouble over trying to sign him last year. Sarries reported them for an illegal approach and the clubs' organisation, English First Division Rugby Ltd, warned Bristol to watch their step.

Their rule, forbidding clubs from approaching employed players until they have three months or less to run on their contracts, is almost impossible to enforce.

EFDR chief executive Howard Thomas said:'You have to be suspicious knowing how agents work. But we haven't had any complaints.'

Llanelli will throw open the gates of Stradey Park on Friday night in the hope that a capacity 11,000 crowd will help the club grab their lifeline into the last eight of the European Heineken Cup. The Scarlets must not only beat Colomiers but score tries and then hope other results go their way.

In addition to the six pool winners, the two best-placed runners-up will make up the numbers, depending on points gained in the six-match pool series then the aggregate number of tries scored.

Llanelli have 14 tries, one fewer than Saracens, who must beat Ulster in Belfast on Friday night to stay in contention for the last eight. Scarlets' chief executive Stuart Gallacher said: 'It is vital that we do everything possible to help Scott Quinnell and the team beat Colomiers.

'If we can fill the ground and recreate the atmosphere when we beat Wasps last season, we'll give ourselves every chance of going through.The directors are prepared to do their bit by waiving the entrance fee on a first come, first served basis.'

Leicester, one win away from a home tie in the knock-out stage, fear they will be without wing Freddie Tuilagi against Glasgow at Welford Road on Saturday after he suffered a suspected broken cheekbone during the win in Pau.

Wing Dennis Hickie is out of Ireland's Six Nations matches against Italy and France after breaking a bone in his hand for Leinster.

The 2003 World Cup will not be moved to the UK after the International Rugby Board confirmed Australia will still co-host the tournament with New Zealand.

The announcement follows a war of words Down Under in the wake of the Australian government's decision to refuse entry visas for the Brisbane World Sevens Series next month to the team from Fiji because of last year's political coup there.